steel yourself for a surprise and other top stories

steel yourself for a surprise

From Newcastle Beach, spot dolphins or passing whales in season (June-November). Collect a bicycle from automated stations at Crowne Plaza, or nearby Maritime Centre, operated by Spinway Newcastle. Swipe your credit or debit card, choose a bike and ... >> view original

NSW State Election 2015: The train that divides Newcastle

The first time Joan Dawson saw a train she was seven years old. It was a steam train she says, "it trundled on from Dungog to Newcastle." Four years later she first set foot upon the "Newcastle Flyer," the train that ran between Sydney and Newcastle ... >> view original

The psychology of fanaticism

As an avid Newcastle Knights fan, it's a process that helps her prepare for game day. On the morning of a match she bubbles with energy. She rushes between the bathroom and the TV (where lower grade matches are being aired) as she gets ready, keeping ... >> view original

Rare maritime artefacts go on show

From the outside, the old steelworks building on a quiet, pot holed cul-de-sac in the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield looks a bit worse for wear. If you were walking past, chances are you'd be none the wiser that inside was a vast collection of unique ... >> view original

NSW govt announces grouting fund to boost Newcastle CBD development

The New South Wales Government is putting up $17 million to help solve the ongoing problems of mine subsidence affecting development projects in Newcastle's CBD. The Treasurer Andrew Constance has today unveiled the City Centre Grouting Fund, ... >> view original

NSW parliamentary inquiry to examine Newcastle rail line cabinet documents ...

A parliamentary inquiry will examine confidential cabinet documents which reveal the NSW government rejected advice about a light rail route into Newcastle in favour of one that may cost about $100 million extra and gives more opportunity to property ... >> view original

Combining a passion for trucks and revitalising a nation

For 30-year old University of Newcastle student, Jacob Khumalo, he believes a more 'grassroots' approach is needed. Jacob is from South Africa and is in the NSW city of Newcastle studying a Master of International Business. He's got a (self-confessed) ... >> view original

Newcastle: an electorate weathering the winds of change

The NSW electorate of Newcastle has seen considerable change since the last state election in 2011. Revitalisation of the CBD is continuing, while turbulence at a political level has created some uncertainty among residents. The Newcastle electorate ... >> view original

More to learn after historic natural disasters

... the NSW Hunter Valley was hit by one of the worst floods in Australian history. A total of 14 people were killed, while many homes and businesses were left sodden or destroyed, with Maitland the hardest hit. On 28 December 1989, Newcastle was ... >> view original

Shark attack prompts renewed calls for safety training

... as the record-breaking closure of Newcastle's beaches for 10 days in January due to persistent shark sightings has prompted many to be increasingly vigilant when at the beach. The Operations Manager at Surf Life Saving NSW, Adam Weir says surfers ... >> view original